Chapter 784
I blushed, resting my hand on his arms as we made our way out. Eliza nd Taylor followed, chatting easily while Irne stayed silent. Here, we made our way to the bottom floor. Erik stood waiting by the entrance in his own tailored suit, looking more handsome than I had ever seen him.
He was speaking to the other gammas, and they looked to be teasing him, probably about attending the ball instead of working it. His cheeks were flushed, and he looked all too annoyed. When he saw us approaching, his face lit up and he smiled. Then, his eyes shifted to Irene, and his entire body stilled.
Irene didn’t seem to notice, though, but I did. I made a note to speak to Erik about this later. It was obvious he had a thing for her and probably did for a while, but I was getting the thought that maybe it was a bit deeper than
that.
The drive to the ball wasn’t long, but it was quiet as each of us got lost in our own thoughts. Chester had his arm around Nan the entire time, and I kept hearing him murmur how beautiful she was and how much he loved her new hair. I smiled, happy for my best friend.
The road wound through the Blood Thorne territory, the night alive with glittering lanterns and fairy lights that hung like starlight above the cobblestone streets. When we arrived, the ball was already in full swing. Masked guests twirled across the marble floor under a chandelier that looked like it could hold a glaze within it. Luaghter, perfume, and the faint scent of wine mixed in the air.
Gavin guided me down the grand staircase, his hand steady on the small of my back. For a moment, the world seemed to slow. I could feel eyes on us, curious, speculative, but one of those matters when we looked at each other like I was the only thing in the room.
Alpha Jeremy approached, his smile sharp and smooth.
“Ah, Alpha Landry,” he greeted, extending his hand for a shake, which Gavin took immediately. “Glad you could make it.”
“Thank you again for the invitation, Jeremy. You’ve outdone yourself here,” Gavn replied, taking in the gorgeous atmosphere.
“I can’t take all the credit. My Luna did most of the planning. She usually does,”
I looked around the ballroom, seeing all the unfamiliar and beautiful faces. My eyes found Tabby, who was standing with a few other gammas in the corner of the room; she was wearing a dress, but no mask. She was also wearing her gear, prepared for a fight as always, like the other gammas were.
Nan and Chester were at the buffet table, sampling each dish, and I couldn’t help the light laugh that came out of my throat.
“Thank your mother again for keeping an eye on Matthew for the evening,” Gavin said. “He wouldn’t have enjoyed being dragged here.”
Jeremy smiled.
“My mother misses having a young one running around. It’s really no problem,” Jeremy assured him. “If you’ll excuse me. I need to say hello to some other guests. But please, enjoy yourself. We’ll speak more later.”
Gavin nodded and watched as Jeremy took off in a different direction.
I finally found Irene, who was scanning the area, her eyes on a mission, though her footsteps were hesitant. I tugged Gavin’s arm gently and glanced up at him.
“I need to check on Iene,” I tell him.
“I’ll come with you,” he said, his eyes finding mine.
I shake my head.
‘It’ll be better if I just go,” I say.
Before he could retort, we heard a gasp coming from nearby, and my body froze. I turned in time to see Irene frozen in place near the edge of the ballroom, her glass trembling in her hands.
My stomach twisted.
Her eyes were fixed on something specific, and I feared what it might be. I pulled my hand out of Gavin’s and rushed towards her, but it was pointless because he was following after me.
I stood next to her, my eyes remained on the side of her face, though it seemed as if she didn’t notice me there.
“Irene?” I asked, trying to gain her attention.
But it was no use…she was too far gone.
I followed her gaze, and then I saw him.
Chuck.
He was standing a few yards away. His arm was around the girl from the hotel. She was wearing a mask, but I knew right away it was her. She had a bright smile on her face and leaned into his touch as he wrapped an arm around her… like it was his duty to protect her.
There it was… in plain sight.
Chuck was cheating on Irene… and she knew it.
Sara is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.